CREMATION SERVICES

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CREMATION SERVICES

Cremation is an alternative to the burial process and it is chosen by some people because of religious beliefs, the desire to preserve the environment or it was requested by the person who died. The remains are placed in a container that is combustible and placed in a special furnace called a cremation chamber or a crematory where through intense heat the deceased is reduced to bone fragments that are then crushed and pulverized. The cremated remains of an average adult body will weigh about 7-8 pounds. Cremation is not an alternative to a funeral, but rather an alternative form of disposition.



Cremated remains can be scattered or buried, or they may be kept with the family in a decorative urn or jewelry. There are many new and different ways to dispose of cremains today. Cremated remains can be placed in an artificial coral reef in the ocean, they can be launched into space or sent up in helium balloons, or they can be spun into glass pieces of art or diamonds. There are many unique ways to keep cremated remains.


Some religions welcome cremation while others may not. The Catholic Church had banned cremation up until 1963. Burial still remains the preferred form of disposition today but cremation is accepted. In other Christian denominations cremation was historically discouraged but nowadays is more widely accepted. In eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism cremation is mandated, while in Islam it is strictly forbidden. Orthodox Jews forbid cremation; other sects of Judaism support cremation, but burial remains the preferred option. 

CREMATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CREMATION

  • What is Cremation?

    Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.  Cremation is not the final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service.

  • Is a casket needed for Cremation?

    No, a casket is not required, however most crematories require an alternative container constructed of wood or cardboard.

  • Is embalming required prior to cremation?

    No.  In fact it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.

  • Can the body be viewed without embalming?

    Yes, however only in a private setting and for a very brief time frame.

  • Can an urn be brought into church?

    Nearly all protestant churches allow for the urn to be present during the memorial service and most catholic churches also allow the remains to be present during the Mass.  It is encouraged that cremated remains be a part of a funeral as it provides a focal point for the service.

  • What can be done with the cremated remains?

    While laws vary state by state, for the most part remains can be buried in a cemetery lot or a cremation garden, interred in a columbarium or scattered. Cremated remains can also be kept at home, but please give thought to what will happen to those remains many, many years from now...

  • How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

    All reputable cremation providers have developed rigorous sets of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize the level of service and minimize the potential for human error.  Since it is illegal to perform more than one cremation at a time it is next to impossible to receive incorrect cremains.

  • How long does the actual cremation take?

    For an average sized adult, cremation can take two to three hours at a normal operating temperature of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • What do the cremated remains look like?

    Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color.  The remains of an average sized adult usually weighs between 7 and 8 pounds.

  • Are all the cremated remains returned?

    With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.

  • Do I need an urn?

    An urn is not required by law.  However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or if the remains are to be interred in a cemetery.  If an urn is not purchased or provided by the family, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary container.

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